Report: Van Dijk Offered Saudi Mega Deal That Liverpool Cannot Match | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk’s Future in Doubt as Al-Hilal Mega Offer Emerges

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is at a crossroads. The 33-year-old centre-back, whose contract expires this summer, remains locked in negotiations with the club, but a concrete resolution is still missing. Now, fresh reports from L’Equipe suggest that the Dutch defender is considering a lucrative offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal—one that could see him earn more than €20 million (£16.8m) per year.

Contract Standoff Drags On

For months, Van Dijk’s future has been the subject of speculation. The absence of an extension has left Liverpool fans anxious, and the situation has now entered dangerous territory. The defender has done little to calm concerns, offering cryptic responses when asked about his future.

“I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment,” he told Paul Joyce after Liverpool’s Champions League exit.

If there were clarity behind the scenes, he would surely be able to say so. Instead, his responses suggest uncertainty, or worse, indecision.

He also dismissed speculation surrounding the talks, saying:

“Listen, there are ten games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes, but that is about it.”

At this stage, Liverpool should have ensured their most important defender’s future was secure. Instead, it has dragged on into a saga that could end badly.

Saudi Temptation: Is Van Dijk Next?

Al-Hilal have already made high-profile moves for players in Europe, and Van Dijk would fit their mould of experienced, world-class talent. According to L’Equipe, the Dutchman has received an offer exceeding €20 million net per year. While he has not given an answer yet, he is reportedly considering it.

“The Dutchman has received an initial offer from Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) worth more than €20 million net,” L’Equipe reports.

The timing is no coincidence. With Liverpool still chasing a Premier League title and having just won the League Cup, the last thing they need is more distractions. But Van Dijk’s contract uncertainty has allowed suitors to circle.

Liverpool Cannot Afford to Lose Van Dijk

It is unthinkable that Liverpool would allow a player of Van Dijk’s stature to leave on a free transfer. If they let him slip away to Saudi Arabia, it would be a failure in planning. The club has seen Jordan Henderson and Fabinho make similar moves, but this is different—Van Dijk remains arguably the best centre-back in the world.

This is not just about wages. It is about ambition. If Liverpool still see themselves as contenders at the very top level, they should not even be in this situation. They should have offered a deal that ended speculation long ago.

The question now is whether Van Dijk truly wants to stay. If he does, Liverpool must act—immediately.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This contract saga has gone past the ridiculous stage. Virgil van Dijk, the best defender in the world, should have been offered a deal he could not refuse months ago. The fact that Liverpool have allowed it to drag on into March with no clarity is alarming.

His leadership, quality, and presence make him irreplaceable. If the club had acted swiftly, there would be no room for Al-Hilal or PSG to interfere. Instead, Van Dijk is now being offered sums that Liverpool cannot match—and if he leaves, the blame will fall on those running the club.

There is also the issue of Arne Slot, who will take over in the summer. Losing Van Dijk in his first transfer window would be a disaster. The Dutchman’s departure would send the wrong message, making Liverpool look weak at the exact moment they need to be strong.

Time is running out. Either Van Dijk signs a new deal, or Liverpool prepare for an exit that should never have been allowed to happen.